13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dead Zeppelin and the Heartbreaker - I Can't Quit You, Bob, April 30, 2009
This review is from: Together Through Life [Vinyl LP w/ CD] (Vinyl)
Was only going to get the regular CD of this - for 14.99 - then realized the vinyl version (at twice the price -29.99) - came with the CD. The only vinyl of this album they had was being held for someone. But then the clerk checked it - and he says "Oh their time limit expired. You can have it" - and I pounced.
It's now playing - we're on track 3: "My Wife's Hometown" - a Dylan/Dixon tune, that's Willie Dixon, as in "I Can't Quit You Baby" and "You Shook Me" Zeppelin blues classics - so let's get something straight right off the bat, shall we?
What we have here, regardless of whether some Amazon reviewers might claim otherwise, is brand spanking new classic Dylan in a vein we've not seen since, well -ever, really, and that's just one of the reasons this is a classic recording. What we're looking at here folks, besides an obviously matured gifted artist at a new prime in his amazing stride through life, is nothing less than Dylan embracing a post-Grateful Dead, Blues-based Heartbreaker slowburn jam whose presence to these ears completely makes up for the loss of such icons as Led Zeppelin, et al. I'd even go so far as to suggest such classic fare is beneath Dylan, he is so self-assured at his grand mastery of this fusion of post -blues -rock -jazz folk music that I'll be the first to step up to the plate and admit that atop the pyramid of established rock iconography such as Led Zeppelin, the Grateful Dead, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, etc is comfortably seated none other than that old folkie and troubadour Bob Dylan himself, and this album is the proof in the pudding.
"Jolene" is playing right now and it is an easygoing serving of Bo Diddly blues flambeauxed over a spicey cajun rhythm that anyone should find irresistable. David Hidalgo of Los Lobos fame and Mike Cambell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers contribute excellent musicianship to this easy masterpiece of blues fusion. The return of Robert Hunter collaborating with Dylan for the lyrics is a welcome addition ("Down In The Groove" was the last time they collaborated on lyrics together). The only critical review of Together Through Life that really hits it on the nail is Blender, they gave it 5 out of 5 stars and called it "unbelievably good". That's right on -this album doesn't miss a beat, it is flawless from beginning to end. Of course, like any masterfully rendered music from seasoned professionals, that may not occur to the listener upon the first spin or two. Just keep this record spinning on your turntable, and it won't be long until you recognize Bob is back in the groove again, and its a wonderful thing indeed.
The ten songs on Together Through Life complement each other in an easygoing way. I have to admit I wasn't that impressed hearing this album for the first time, but I wasn't able to lend it my full attention. On the second listen, while paying it better attention, its subtle rewarding complexities became immediately more evident. After three spins, I'm sailing towards comfortable oblivion with a smile on my face every time I hear this lovely, rollicking, alternately hopeful and set with only a slightly-grim resolve, album. This artist has lived it all, and it is obvious from hanging out with these songs for a spell. He ain't got time to bleed these days - but he done that already ("It's Alright Ma, I'm Only Bleeding"). Now is his time to shine, once again. The medley of down home american roots influences on this record is a treasure trove and a delight to behold. Some people tell him he has the blood of the land in his voice. I can feel a change coming on too, Bob. I am grateful you've taken the helm on this new direction, to steer us through the oncoming darkness with your new songs, laid-back, confident beacons of reassurance we can all use in these uncertain times. Damm straight "It's all good".
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bob Dylan: Together THrough Life, June 20, 2009
This review is from: Together Through Life [Vinyl LP w/ CD] (Vinyl)
Best Dylan album since Time Out Of Mind. Great idea of including the CD with the vinyl purchase. Dylan is incredible...still as creative as ever.
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